Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Culture: Year End Review 2019
The Ministry of Culture is committed to preserve and promote the rich art and culture of India, both tangible and intangible. Ministry and his autonomous bodies have worked whole year for this. Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 29 days cultural extravaganza Sanskriti Kumbh at Kumbh Mela, 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Commemoration event of 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government, Restoration work of architectural genius Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra and various other events of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat were some of the important highlights for the ministry this year.
1. Sanskriti Kumbh, a 29 days Cultural extravaganza organised at Kumbh Mela Area, Prayagraj from 10th January, 2019
Sanskriti Kumbh, a 29 days cultural extravaganza was organised at Kumbh Mela Area, Prayagraj from 10th January, 2019. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India organized Sanskriti Kumbh with intent to showcase the rich Cultural Heritage of India in all its rich and varied dimensions viz. Performing Arts- Folk, Tribal and Classical art forms, Handicrafts, Cuisines, Exhibitions etc. all in one place.
Under the banner of Sanskriti Kumbh, Rashtriya Shilp Mela was also organized in the premises of NCZCC where Shilp Haats were set up to display handicrafts and live demonstration of the skill by craftsmen. Special arrangements were made for the delegates of “Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas” for participating in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.Around ten thousand participants attended the colourful convention.President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the three day
Gandhian Resurgence Summit at Parmarth Niketan camp at Prayagraj Kumbh. About 300 Gandhians from different parts of the country and organisations are participating in the Summit.
2. Auction of Mementos received by Prime Minister, organised in two chapters, one in January and another in September, 2019
The physical auction of Mementos received by the Prime Minister, organised by National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, culminated on 28th January 2019 and the e-auction had taken place from 29th to 31st January 2019 for remaining items which are not sold during the physical auction on the portal www.pmmementos.gov.in.
The proceeds from auction are donated for the noble cause of Namami Gange.
Second Chapter Exhibition of Prime Minister’s gifts was organised from 14th September to 3rd October, 2019 by the Ministry of Culture at National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. Mementos included 576 Shawls, 964 AngaVastram, 88 Pagris and various jackets portraying the diversified and colourful Culture of our Country. The Major Highlight of the Physical auction organized at NGMA was that a specially handcrafted wooden bike, received a successful bid of Rs. 5 lakhs. A similar bid was also received for a unique painting, which depicts Prime Minister Modi on a railway platform – a uniquely artistic interpretation of Narendra Modi’s special bond with the railways.
3. New campus of National Museum Institute inaugurated at Noida on 30th January, 2019
The new Campus of the National Museum Institute was inaugurated at A-19, Sector 62, NOIDA , on 30th January, 2019.Four new courses i.e.  Archaeology;  Palaeography, Epigraphy and Numismatics;  Structural Conservation and  Cultural & Heritage Management, were proposed to be commence. In addition to these regular courses, short-term courses of five-month duration i.e. Art Appreciation and Bhartiya Kalanidhi , which are very popular, were promised to be conducted by the Institute to disseminate the knowledge about the country’s tangible and intangible heritage.
4. Special Postage Stamp on Kumbh Mela was released on 2ndFebruary
Union Minister of State for Railways and Communication Mr Manoj Sinha released a special postage stamp of the Indian Postal Department on Kumbh Mela on 2nd February, 2019. A special first day cover was also released on the occasion. Its cost is five rupees.
5. 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav organised in New Delhi
The 20th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav , the international theatre festival of India, is organized by National School of Drama. The 20th BRM comes with 111 national and international acts in its basket that includes folk and other traditional theatre forms, invitee plays, and productions by the students of the National School of Drama.
6. President of India Presented Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Sangeet NatakAkademi Awards for the year 2017 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 06, 2019.
7. Foundation Stone of Taj View Gardenon the Taj Corridor Area between the Agra Fort and TajMahal laid on 14th February
Foundation Stone of Taj View Garden on the Taj Corridor Area between the Agra Fort and TajMahal in Agra was laid on 14thFeburary, 2019.
The Taj View Garden is being developed on the Mughal period’s Charbagh garden pattern by the Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. A permanent photo exhibition was also curated near the newly constructed Visitor’s Facility Centre at the Eastern Gate of TajMahal.
8. Virtual Experiential Museum established at Man – Mahal near Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi
Virtual Experiential Museum has been established by the National Council of Science Museum  working under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage  helped in designing and curation of this Virtual Experiential Museum and also in preparing of script for various documentaries to be shown in this VEM.The Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Virtual Experiential Museum  in a Centrally Protected Monument under Archeological Survey of India, Man – Mahal, situated on the bank of the Ganges near holy DashashwamedhGhat at Varanasi.
9. Azaadi Ke Diwane’ Museum at Red Fort Complex in New Delhi, created by ASI Pays Homage to Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle of the Nation
The ‘Azaadi ke Diwane’ museum was inaugurated at Red Fort, Delhi on 4th March, 2019. Created by Archaeological Survey of India , the museum within the Red Fort complex pays homage to all the unsung heroes of freedom struggle of the nation, who would have otherwise been merged away in forgetfulness.
10. National Council of Science Museums of Culture Ministry collaborates with Google Arts & Culture for largest interactive online exhibition on inventions and discoveries
The National Council of Science Museums , an organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India has collaborated with Google Arts & Culture for ‘Once upon a Try’: Epic journeys of invention and discovery - the largest online exhibition about inventions and discoveries ever curated, as an attempt to explore humanity’s greatest inventions and discoveries in an interactive online exhibition. The online exhibition was launched on 7th March, 2019 and contains collections, stories and knowledge from over 110 renowned institutions from across 23 countries, highlighting millennia of major breakthroughs and the great minds behind them.
11. Release of Dictionary of Martyrs of India’s Freedom Struggle 
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, released the Dictionary of Martyrs of India’s Freedom Struggle, on 7th March, 2019 at an event in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. This five-volume dictionary contains an account of the martyrs from India’s First War of Independence in 1857, to India’s Independence in 1947.The martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the non-cooperation movement, the Quit India Movement, and those soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj, who attained martyrdom, among many others are included. The project for compilation of “Dictionary of Martyrs” of India’s Freedom Struggle was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, to the Indian Council of Historical Research  to commemorate the 150th anniversary of uprising of 1857.
12. New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in UP inaugurated by the Prime Minister
The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated by The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 9th March, 2019. A statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at the campus and Deendayal Museum in the Institute campus was also inaugurated on the same day. The state-of-the-art institute, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 289 crore is spread over 25 acres. The Institute comprises of an auditorium with seating capacity of 1000 people, an open air theatre and an Archaeological Museum. The Institute of Archaeology  is an academic wing of ASI under the Ministry of Culture.
13. Ministry of Culturefacilitates in setting up of FM Radio Transmitter on 103.7 MHZ frequency at Baltal for ‘Amarnath Yatra’ Pogramme
For the first time ever, on a request from Ministry of Culture , Ministry of I&B set up a FM Radio Transmitter on 103.7 MHZ frequency at Baltal, on the Amarnath route. A studio facility was set up at Baltal Base Camp, and “AmarnathYatra” program was generated from Baltal base camp. Pahalgam transmitter was also tuned to Baltal. All India Radio  transmitted regular services on crowd management, weather, health and other alerts; devotional music was provided by Ministry of Culture.Ministry of Culture curated and created high quality devotional content for the Yatra, which includes Mantras, Shlokas and Bhajans with contextual meaning on Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh. Leading music directors and singers were roped in for this purpose. Archival content was taken from National Cultural Audio-visual Archives, under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
14. India gets its 38th world UNESCO World heritage site As Pink City Jaipur
India’s nomination of the Jaipur City, Rajasthan got inscribed on 6th July, 2019 on the World Heritage List of UNESCO during the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Baku, Azerbaijan. The nomination of Jaipur City has successfully been done by complying with the various UNESCO guidelines of 2017. With Successful inscription of Jaipur City, India has 38 world heritage sites that include 30 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties and 1 mixed site.
15. Restoration work of architectural genius, Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra initiated by Archaeological Survey of India
The restoration work of Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra by the Archaeological Survey of India has been initiated in the month of July, 2019. Known as the “Khajuraho of Vidarbha”, the temple of Markandadeo is situated on the bank of River Wainganga in district Gadchiroli of Maharashtra. A detailed documentation process was initiated to carry out the condition mapping of the temple in order to carry out the conservation process.
16. Historic Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi illuminated with advanced LED Lights
Safdarjung Tomb is one of those historical monuments which attracts thousands of tourists every year and is the pride jewel in Delhi’s history.With the illumination the architectural beauty of the 17th century Mughal era monument displayed its historic reflection on Delhi after sunset. To highlight the architectural beauty including arches and minarets of the Safdarjung tomb,a total of 213 technologically advanced LED lights were used which consumes less electricity – the consumption of which is approximately 62% less than conventional light fixtures.
17. Nepali and Santhali languages included in the Scheme for grant of Senior/Junior Fellowships of Culture Ministry
The Ministry of Culture administers a scheme component namely Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture. The fellowships are awarded for undertaking research oriented projects.Centre for Cultural Resources and Training , Dwarka is the Nodal institute for handling the Scheme of Sr. /Jr. Fellowship till selection process. “Literary Arts” is one of the Fields under this Scheme where candidates can apply for research in 22 languages as their Sub-Field. The remaining 2 languages from the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution i.e. Nepali and Santhali were included in the Sub-Field of Field “Literature” in the scheme component ‘Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture’.
18. Delhi Public Library launchedMobile Library Busesprocured under C.S.R assistance from Airports Authority of India
Mobile Library Buses procured under C.S.R assistance from Airports Authority of India were launched under the “Ghar-Ghar Dastak Ghar Ghar Pustak” Scheme of the Delhi Public Library, which aims to provide books to the citizens of Delhi, especially, the residents of slums, resettlement colonies and rural areas.
19.Excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India  in Maharastra’s Phupgaon, indicated towards Iron Age Settlement
The recent excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India  at Maharashtra’s Phupgaon has revealed evidence of an Iron Age settlement in the Vidarbha region. The excavation at the site was taken up between December, 2018 and March, 2019.The team of ASI took up an intensive survey in the region between Chandur Bazar to Dariyapur of Purna basin at Phupgaon , Amravati district of Maharashtra. The site is situated in the vast meander of the river Purna, a major tributary of Tapi, which used to be a perennial river, but at present is completely dried-up due to the dam construction in the upper stream. The site is situated about 20 m away from the river bed and its one-third portion has been subjected to frequent erosion during the heavy water current in the earlier times.
ASI is of the view that the excavation at Phupgaon has provided important insights into Iron Age people of Purna river basin. Chronologically, the site could be placed between 7th C BCE and 4th C BCE. However, further detailed study of the site with chronometric dating is being taken up to reveal further aspects of Iron Age of Vidarbha.
20. ‘The Diary of Manu Gandhi’  brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press
‘The Diary of Manu Gandhi’  has been brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press and launched at a function in the auditorium of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library today in New Delhi. The Diary of Manu Gandhi originally in Gujarati has been edited and translated by Dr Tridip Suhrud, a well-known scholar engaged in understanding the Gandhian Intellectual tradition. The first volume covers the period 1943-1944.
21. Integrated NOAPS single window clearing system of National Monuments Authority for 517 local bodies in six States launched
An integrated NOC online Application Processing System for National Monuments Authority  for 517 local bodies of six states was launched in the public domain over the URL: http://nmanoc.nic.in/ by the Minister of State for Culture & Tourism , Shri Prahlad Singh Patel on in New Delhi. Online processing of applications requesting NOC for construction related work in prohibited and regulated area of ASI protected monuments has been made simpler with this system. Six New States are now a part of this Integrated Online Application Portal with Urban Local Bodies Count.The Portal has integration with the Smart ‘Smarac’ Mobile App of Indian Space Research Organization , through which the applicant traverses his plot and the geo coordinates of his plot along with the images get uploaded into the NIC portal along with the proximity and the approval status.
22. Water Conservation system and Baby care & Feeding Room installed at Taj Mahal Premises
A Water Conservation system and Baby care& Feeding Room at the premises of Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh was installed and inaugurated by the Minister of State for Culture & Tourism  on 29th August, 2019. The Water Conservation System which in its first turn puts about 10000 litre of polluted water coming out of RO System into the old well located in the premises of the heritage site.
23. ‘Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities’ at PuranaQilacurated by ASI showcases confiscated and retrieved antiquities for public
‘Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities’ at Purana Qila curated by Archaeological Survey of India showcases confiscated and retrieved antiquities for public, the Gallery is located in the arched cells of Purana Qila. The number of antiquities recovered in the last five years has been the highest ever, So far, ASI, has retrieved 44 stolen antiquities from USA, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Canada and England and 119 more antiquities are in the process of retrieval. Owing to the efforts of ASI no theft has been reported from any Centrally Protected Monument or site museum under ASI during last few years.
24. First ever architectural LED illumination of Qutab Minar
The historic Qutb Minar came alive as it saw the first ever architectural LED illumination inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture & Tourism  Shri Prahalad Singh Patel in New Delhi on 31st August, 2019.
To highlight the architectural beauty including arches and minarets of the Qutb Minar, a total of 358 technologically advanced LED lights have been used which will consume 62% less electricity than conventional light fixtures. Warm lights will highlight the architectural features on the monument’s facade. Apart from the minaret, the pathways and smaller structures around the Qutb Minar have also been lit. The new illumination comprises lighting that accentuates the silhouette of the monument with the interplay of light and shade. The duration of illumination will be from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily with a monthly cost of Rs16,615/- which comes out merely to Rs 1,99,388/- for a year.
25. The first ever Mobile Science Exhibition  of NCSM organised in Leh for entire Ladakh Region
The first ever Mobile Science Exhibition  for the entire Ladakh Region in Leh was flagged off by the Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism , Shri Prahlad Singh Patel on 5th September, 2019.
Mobile Science Exhibition  programme, originally launched as Mobile Science Museum  in 1965, with a mission ‘If the people cannot visit the museum, let the museum visit the people at their doorsteps’, is the largest and the longest running outreach programme of NCSM. It is very successful in supplementing formal education with non-formal mode of science education, in creating a scientific awareness in the society and nurturing scientific temper and creative potential of the young people in the areas where MSE programmes are conducted.
26. Union Culture Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel participates in BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meet at Curitiba, Brazil
Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism  Shri Prahlad Singh Patel participated in BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil.On the occasion, Shri Patel said that India attaches importance to its engagement with BRICS which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, coordination and cooperation on contemporary global issues of mutual interest and has helped to promote mutual understanding. Joint exhibition titled Bonding Regions & Imagining Cultural Synergies is being hosted by National Gallery of Modern Arts of India under the auspices of the BRICS Alliance of Museums and Art Galleries during November-December, 2019.Shri Patel proposed to add another field of cooperation under the aegis of BRICS Alliance on Literature envisaging BRICS Literary Festival to enhance cooperation and exchanges in the field of literature and promoting translation of literary works of famous writers and poets of BRICS member states.
27. 10th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav' organised in Madhya Pradesh
Under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Matrix, 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was organised by the Ministry of Culture in Madhya Pradesh. Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri LaljiTandon in the presence of Minister of State for Culture and Tourism , Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the festival in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on14th October, 2019. Under the broad umbrella theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat has covered a profusion of art forms practised and performed by artists from all Zonal Cultural Centres of India, from Classical dance, viz. Classical dance, Loknritya, folk music, to visual and culinary arts. Handloom and handicrafts are equally being exhibited in stalls and tents curated at this Mahotsav. The gastronomic culture of Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and several other partnering states is being showcased in food stalls. After its conclusion in Jabalpur, Mahotsav travelled to Sagar and concluded at Rewa on 21st October, 2019.
28. CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel at the event “Digital Bharat Digital Sanskriti” launched
CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel was launched at“Digital Bharat – Digital Sanskriti” program organised by Centre for Cultural Resources and Training  on 20th October, 2019 at CCRT Head Quarter located at Dwarka, Delhi. With an aim to take India to a newer digital pinnacle and to promote our culture Union Minister will inaugurate CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel .
29.Commemoration event of ‘76th Year of Formation of Azad Hind Government’
Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism , Shri Prahlad Singh Patel took part in the commemoration event of 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government on 21st October, 2019 at Red Fort, Delhi.
30. Excavation by Archaeological Survey of India in Gottiprolu, Andhra Pradesh indicate it as a Trade Centre of Early Historic Period
The 1st phase of excavation by a team of Archaeological Survey of India’s Excavation Branch – VI, Bangalore at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore  district, Andhra Pradesh has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure. Among many other antiquities unearthed are one life size Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of current era.
Detailed topographical study and drone images have helped in identifying an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it. The fortification is very much clear on the eastern and southern sides of the mound while its other arm seems to have been levelled as a result of modern settlements.
31. UNESCO designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO creative cities network  in the field of film and Hyderabad in the field of gastronomy
UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network  in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY.
32. Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial  Bill, 2019 passed by the Parliament
Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial  Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Parliament after it was passed in RajyaSabha. The Bill was earlier passed in LokSabha on 2nd August 2019. It seeks to make apolitical the trust that runs Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial by removing the clause pertaining to the President of INC as a permanent member of the trust. The Bill also amends to include the Leader of Opposition recognised as such in the House of the People  or where there is no such Leader of Opposition, then the Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in that House as a member of the trust.
33. All records relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj de-classified and placed them in the National Archives of India
All records relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj de-classified and were placed in the National Archives of India. Accordingly, a total of 304 declassified records/files have been transferred to National Archives of India by above mentioned Ministries/Offices for permanent retention. Out of 304 files, 303 files are already uploaded on the Netaji web portal i.e. www.netajipapers.gov.in .
34. ‘Kalash’  containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh, the soil of martyr unveiled at National Museum
‘Kalash’  containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh, the soil of martyrs primarily was presented to the Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi and later, unveiled at National Museum in New Delhi. The main idea behind displaying the ‘Kalash’ containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh in National Museum is to inspire the youth of India specially children and pay tribute to the martyrs of freedom struggle. The holy soil was brought by the Culture Minister when he visited the historical Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial. The soil from the land of sacrifice has reached National Museum after 100 years.
35. Indian Culture Portal showcasing information about the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of India launched by Union Culture Minister
The Indian Culture portal was envisioned by the Ministry of Culture and was developed by a team from the Indian Institute of Technology , Bombay while the curation of the data has been done by Indira Gandhi National Open University .Indian culture portal is the first government authorized portal where knowledge and cultural resources of various organizations of Ministry of Culture are now available in public domain on a single platform.This project is a part of the Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative to showcase information about the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of India both at home and abroad.
36. President of India chaired the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind chaired the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 19th December, 2019. Participants of the meeting included members of the National Committee including the Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; members of the Union Cabinet; Chief Ministers of various states; noted Gandhians among others. Prime Minister of Portugal HE Mr. Antonio Costa, the only foreign Prime Minister to be a member of the Committee, also participated in the meeting.
The Prime Minister addressed the dignitaries stating that while government commemorations of centenaries are held from time to time, the ‘Gandhi@150’ commemorations have become far more than just an occasion. They have become a program of the Jan Samanya and a matter of pride for every Indian.